MADISON - Alynn Frank Spink, age 81, of Madison / Wauwatosa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Meriter Hospital after a brave battle with Crohn’s Disease for many years and ultimately, cancer. He was born on June 21, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wis.

Alynn was employed in sales, working as an insurance agent as well as selling furniture and electronics at American TV for 12 years. He enjoyed part-time jobs at local greenhouses, as he loved gardening and had a passionate knowledge of flowers, building ponds, and landscape design. Alynn enjoyed writing poetry, singing music, playing his guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen in his retirement. He had a special place in his heart for animals, adopting his beloved dog, Jo-Jo, who was by his side for the last 11 years. Alynn loved the glory of nature and its vast diversity, never losing his sense of awe for the beauty of this world.

Alynn’s greatest asset was his personality, being well-known for his quick wit and his sense of humor. He looked at strangers as friends he just hadn’t met yet, he really could talk to anyone! However, his proudest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren, who called him Poppie.

Alynn is survived by his son, Jason (Jennifer) Spink; daughters, Tana (Bill) Wenkman, Buffy (Rob) Gard and Chelsea (Eric) Szydlowski. He married Betty Krause in Milwaukee in 1971, and they lovingly raised their four children in Oregon, Wis., where he was a member of the community for 30 years. He supported the local Jaycees, attended St. John’s Lutheran Church, and was steadfast in his presence at every concert, game, and recital for his children, which gave him much joy.

Later in life and until his passing he was committed to Sharon Friedland, whom he loved dearly and resided with for the last eight years. He adored his grandchildren, Brooke Wenkman, Tia Wenkman and Willow Wenkman, Hunter Spink, Emma Spink, Wesley Szydlowski and Sawyer Szydlowski; sisters, Karen Robinson and Laurie Perez; brother, Rod Spink; niece, Brandi (Kevin) Brown; and nephew, Carlos Perez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth (Kruse) Spink; father and mother-in-law, Harvey and Jean Krause; and brothers-in-law, Jess Perez and Bill Robinson.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, with Pastor Mike Dissmore presiding. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Memorials may be made to the LGS foundation (lgsfoundation.org) in honor of Alynn’s grandson, Wesley Szydlowski, who is courageously fighting this rare form of epilepsy. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Alynn F Spink

June 21, 1943 - September 27, 2024

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